About Proper Ski Attire

Outerwear

• A good ski jacket and pants are just as important as having a decent pair of skis. Think of the jacket and pants as the armor that protects you from cold, wet snow. A ski jacket should be waterproof, have protected zippers, a warm lining and fasteners at every opening. Some jackets are designed to be warmer than others because of the difference in temperature in winter and spring skiing. Pants should also be waterproof and a little loose to allow ease of movement. The looser the fit of jacket and pants, the more layers you can wear underneath.

Mid-layer

• Some people are comfortable just wearing a jacket and undershirt when skiing. A good-quality mid-layer, however, provides an additional layer of comfort and warmth. The best option for a mid-layer is a wool sweater or medium-weight fleece.

Base layer

• A base layer is the clothing worn next to the skin. The key is to choose tops and bottoms that fit snugly and are made of materials that wick perspiration away from the skin. The best materials are synthetics or fine wool. Cotton should never be used as a base layer as it traps moisture next to the skin. Proper ski socks are also vital to being comfortable on the slopes. Choose thin, specialized ski socks with little or no padding. Use only one pair of socks on your feet. Your ski boots are well insulated and will keep your feet warm if your ski boots are properly fitted. As with base layers, ski socks should be made from wool or synthetics, never cotton.

Gloves

• There is a huge variety of gloves on the market. Choosing a pair is a personal preference, but there are some general guidelines to follow. Gloves should be waterproof, warm, have a snug fit around the wrist and be comfortable to manipulate when worn. When purchasing gloves, try them on and walk around the store for a few minutes. If they are not comfortable, choose another pair until you find ones you like. Cloth gloves should be avoided as water can enter, making hands wet and cold. Inner fingers and palms should have some grip to make it easier to handle a pair of ski poles.

Eye and Head Protection

• Many people may not think of it, but protecting your eyes can make or break a ski vacation. The midday sun reflecting off the snow can be brighter than a day at the beach and skiing without eye protection through a snow storm is a miserable experience. The lenses of your eyewear, whether sunglasses or goggles, should be tinted and made of shatterproof, polycarbonate plastic. Glass is not recommended as it is heavy and can shatter during a fall. Polarized lenses are available to cut glare from the snow. Goggles are warmer and offer more protection than sunglasses.

  Helmets are advised; some ski areas require them for children and young teens. Helmets can be rented at most resorts. If you choose not to wear a helmet, a warm hat is strongly recommended. It is estimated that forty percent of body heat lost during skiing comes from the head.